Abstract
Introduction: Patients with acute exacerbations of chronic respiratory disease are often too breathless to exercise leading to muscle deconditioning. Using NIV to assisted exercise during an exacerbation might prevent this but it is not known if this is acceptable to patients.
Methods: 10 in-patients with an acute exacerbation (including COPD, Bronchiectasis, CF) were recruited. If they were unable to cycle for 5 minutes at 20 watts unassisted they then cycled with NIV for up to 20 minutes. NIV settings were adjusted to patient comfort. Oxygen was titrated to maintain SpO2 88-92%. Patients were asked to rate their level of distress and willingness to repeat the intervention.
Results: Mean age was 52.8 (15.9). 56% male. 67% used NIV at night. All were naïve to NIV during exercise. NIV increased cycle time by 90 seconds (47.8%). All stated they would repeat this type of exercise and most (90%) reported it easier to exercise with NIV.
Conclusion: NIV is well tolerated, feasible and significantly increases exercise capacity in patients hospitalised with an acute exacerbation.
- © 2011 ERS